We are a group of veterans dedicated to preserving the memory of the Cold War. Asking for recognition for the "Cold Warriors", so long forgotten. We are also reaching out to all our brother and sister veterans. We are asking Congress to authorize a Cold War Victory Medal to all who served honorably during the Cold War, from 1945 to 1991

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Number of veterans in Congress is diminshing

With the end of the draft in 1973, and the all volunteer military the number of vetransin Congress is shrinking. Is this a good thing? Should more veterans be in Congressto help steer the ship?

There are currently only 25 senators who have served in the military, in 1981 there were73. In the House the percentage of veteran in 1981 was 62 percent and today there isa total of 94 veterans, a loss of 40 percent.

While it is not necessary to be a veteran to see our point of view, many members arestaunch supporters of the military and veterans. They have fought for a better military,a stronger VA to support veterans.

But one has to wonder if the lack of veterans in Congress has had an adverse effect. Is it possible that while a lot of verbiage is thrown out for the public to see; and yetmany projects and objectives are being ignored?

The military is a very large portion of the budget, and it is understood that anyincrease in the defense budget takes money from other deserving and needed projects.But, with wars on two fronts; and the possibility of even more hot spots breakingout, then we must have a strong and vital military. The best equipment, the strongestleaders, men and women dedicated and willing to do what ever is necessary to preservefreedom and our country.

Many veterans, especially those from the Cold War Era are feeling ignored and disrespected. Could this be because of the lack of veterans in Congress? Can a non-veteran every truly understand the stress, the danger, the long hard truth ofwhat it takes?

The Veterans Administration for the most part is doing an outstanding jobin caring for veterans. The VA budget is not big enough to provide the neededcare for out veterans. The survival rate of those injured in battle is higherthan ever, thanks to the improved care the wounded receive immediately.

Overworked and understaffed, the VA has its shortfalls, its problems but the dedicated doctors and nurses do the best they can in most cases.

Yet veterans are turned away every day. Many have to travel long distances toreach a VA hospital or clinic, and then be told they do not qualify. Or theymay be in the system, have an appointment; and when they arrive are told thedoctor is not there that day.

Would more veterans in Congress make a difference? There is no way to determinefor sure if that would help. One can only wonder and ponder all the what ifs.

The American Cold War Veterans do say thank you to all members of congress fortheir service to our country. It is a hard and often thankless task. Not everyoneis up to the challenge.

As in life there are some good and some bad members. There are those who abuse thepower. It is hoped that the American public looks hard at everyone in government,and takes note of failure to fulfill promises. When the time comes, vote out the bad and replace them with what we hope will be a better choice.

Perhaps a new political party is needed, one that stands for good and proper governing of our country. One that will help put us back on course and return our countryto its rightful place in the world. A nation we can all be proud of.

A better and stronger United States, with caring and loving individuals; a nationto be proud of is what we hope for.

Asbestos and the U.S. Navy Cancer risk

Cold War-era Veterans may potentially develop mesothelioma due to the use and presence of asbestos in military applications. Navy vessels posed a high risk prior to the 1970s while military facilities utilized throughout that period also contained high quantities of the mineral. Cold War veterans with mesothelioma symptoms should seek professional medical help to obtain a diagnosis and seek treatment for mesothelioma as soon as possible.